For several years now, San Antonio Police Officers have been well trained on how to handle and process human smuggling and trafficking cases. SAPD also works with Homeland Security through the Federal Joint Task Force to specifically target and arrest individuals involved in these crimes. On December 23rd, when twelve people were stopped and detained under suspicion of smuggling and being in the country illegally, the Officers on scene began following the law and established procedures. Then, Chief McManus arrived.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus (photo by Jack Dennis)

When Chief McManus arrived unexpectedly on scene, in civilian clothing and with a lawyer from a non-profit organization, Officers briefed the Chief on the situation and their actions, which included notifying Homeland Security. The Chief immediately changed their orders: they were not to identify the individuals or check their immigration status (as Texas law allows local law enforcement to do) and they were not to involve Homeland Security (as per Joint Task Force procedures).

When an agent from Homeland Security did arrive, the Chief informed him that his assistance was not needed. After transporting the individuals to police headquarters, the Chief allowed the non-profit attorney complete access to them before ever allowing even one of the Special Victims Unit (SVU) detectives to speak to them. The Chief then stated that none of the detainees were to be processed through SAPD databases and ordered them released. At this point, SVU Supervisors were so shocked they requested the order be put in writing.

The twelve detainees were then escorted out of the back of police headquarters and released into the city. Afterwards, the Chief told the media that the case was based on a “fluid situation,” and that “it’s not necessarily how every case will be handled going forward.” SAPOA believes that the Chief’s actions were political, not in line with established State and Federal laws and procedures, and may have risked the safety of the community.

We have called upon Mayor Ron Nirenberg, City Manager Sheryl Sculley, and the City Council to investigate or at least have the Chief answer for his actions that night. Up to now, they have done nothing. Fortunately, the Texas Attorney General launched an investigation in January and has ordered the entire City government to preserve all evidence and present any and all documents, videos, and cellular phone data, regarding the December 23rd incident.

SAPOA says City Manager is wrong protecting the chief

San Antonio Police

City Manager Sheryl Sculley – the only city official with authority to investigate the chief – has said his actions were proper, but she’s wrong, and here’s the proof:

Violations 1 – 4: To begin with, here’s what the General Manual says about who the rules and regulations apply to:

1.01 PURPOSE: “These rules are designed to promote efficiency, discipline, and good public relations by setting forth policies governing the conduct and demeanor of every member of the police department, both on- and off-duty.”

1.03 SCOPE: “These rules and regulations govern the conduct, responsibilities, duties, assignments of, and the use of equipment by all members of the department.”

1.04 ACKNOWLEDGMENT: “The Rules and Regulations of the San Antonio Police Department, which are incorporated in the General Manual, apply to all employees, both sworn and non-sworn, and have the effect of an order.”

2.01 COMMAND/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: “B. ENFORCE RULES: Supervisory officers shall be uniform and impartial in the enforcement of these rules and procedures; the insurance of conformity on the part of command officers to all orders, directives, and other instructions issued to the members of the department.